KR20060103438A - Device for restraining the rise of a step roller of a people conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

People conveyor (2) including an endless conveyor band (4) extending through an inclined portion (6), a first and a second turnaround portions (8) and a return portion (5) of an endless path and comprising a plurality of steps (10) connected to and driven by a step chain (12), the steps (10) comprising a step roller (18), the people conveyor (2) further including a step roller track (20) for guiding the step roller (18), the step roller track (20) extends along the path of the conveyor band (4) and has an inner and an outer rails (24, 22) for supporting the step roller (18), and a device (20) for restraining the step roller (18) against one of the inner and outer rails (24, 22).

Description

 Step roller rising restraining device of passenger conveyor {DEVICE FOR RESTRAINING THE RISE OF A STEP ROLLER OF A PEOPLE CONVEYOR}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to passenger conveyors, in particular to moving walks and escalators, and more specifically to stepping rollers in collision zones, such as at the top and bottom of the escalator, to collide with the rails of the track. It relates to a device for restraining to do.

Conventional passenger conveyors, such as escalators or moving walks, include a circulation conveyor band that extends over slopes, first and second turn around portions, and return portions of the circulation path, and is typically rotatable. It is composed of a plurality of steps that are connected to and driven by a step chain. The steps each comprise a step roller and the passenger conveyor further comprises a step roller track for guiding the step roller. The step roller track has an inner rail and an outer rail that extend along the path of the conveyor band and support the step roller. In the case of moving walks a "step" is commonly called a pallet, and its treatment surface is generally arranged in a single plane along the conveying part. In the case of an escalator, the processing surfaces of the individual "steps" are at different vertical levels within the slope of the conveyor band.

 Conventional escalators, like moving walks, include frames, handrails with movable handrails, steps, drive systems, and step chains for pushing the steps. The frame includes truss sections on both the left and right sides of the frame. Each truss section has two end sections forming a landing, which are connected by inclined intermediate portions. The upper landing usually accommodates an escalator drive system or machine located between trusses.

The drive system of the escalator consists of a step chain, step chain sprocket, shaft and drive motor. The drive motor drives the step chain to move the continuous closed loop.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the step 10 is attached to the step chain 12, moving from landing to other landings to transport passengers.

The support arms 16 are coupled to be fixed to both sides of the step 10. Each support arm 16 is provided with a step roller 18, and the step roller is rotatably mounted at the end of the support arm 16. The step roller 18 guides the movement of the step 10 and further supports the step.

The escalator includes tracks 20 on both left and right sides, with the step roller 18 moving in a continuous closed loop along the track. The track 20 is substantially parabolic in the swiveling area and is located below the lower and upper landings so that the step roller 18 and step 10 can vary 180 degrees of nose orientation in the swiveling area.

The track 20 includes an inner rail 24 and an outer rail 22 disposed outward of the inner rail 24. The gap between the inner rail 24 and the outer rail 22 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the step roller 18. The outer rail 22 has an L shape to prevent the step roller 18 from separating laterally from the track 20.

In the passenger carriage, the step roller 18 rolls over the inner rail 24 of the track 20. Since the step 10 moves upward, when the step roller 18 advances to the bend of the track 20 in the upper pivot area, the step roller 18 moves from the inner rail 24 to the outer rail 22. To rise. This is due to the inertia and / or gravity of the moving step 10. Thus, the step roller 18 collides with the outer rail 22. The step roller 18 then descends toward the lower landing with a rolling over the outer rail 22 and returns over the inner rail 24 in the lower pivot area.

  However, the collision of the step rollers with the rails of the tracks causes undesirable noise and operational instability, thus making the passengers uncomfortable. This collision can lead to failure of the escalator or moving walk.

It is an object of the present invention to reduce the occurrence of noise in a passenger conveyor, in particular the noise caused by collision of the step roller with the rails of the track, and to eliminate the problems associated with this, for example operation instability.

According to an embodiment of the invention, this object is solved by a device for restraining a step roller against one of the inner and outer rails in the case of a passenger conveyor.

The step roller can be restrained against the same rail, ie the inner rail or the outer rail, while moving through the closed loop path. Alternatively, the papermaking device can provide a smooth transition from rail to rail on another turn. Typically, because of gravity, the step rollers roll along the inner track in the passenger carriage and along the outer track, ie the lower track, in the return portion. The outer track in the passenger compartment and the inner track in the return section provide an upper contact rail for exceptional circumstances. Such rails are commonly referred to as "upthoust rails". Therefore, due to gravity, the step rollers tend to change from the inner rail to the outer rail and back at the turn.

Preferably, the papermaking apparatus includes an elastic deflection member for elastically deflecting the step roller with respect to one of the inner and outer rails. Alternatively, other mechanisms may be provided for forcing the step roller along a well-determined path while avoiding collisions.

Preferably, the papermaking device is configured such that the step roller gradually transitions from one of the inner and outer rails to the other of the inner and outer rails at the first and second pivots. This structure has the advantage that it is not necessary to support the load of the step along either the passenger carriage or the return portion of the circulation path against gravity. Thus, the individual papermaking apparatus can be relatively "vulnerable", saving space and allowing light construction.

Preferably, the biasing member comprises a spring type such as mechanical, pneumatic or electromagnetic. Alternatively, the biasing member may be made of an elastic member such as rubber or the like.

Preferably, the papermaking device is arranged between the step and the drive chain. Thus, the papermaking device can be positioned between the step and the drive chain to elastically deflect or support the step with respect to the drive chain. As will be described later, the papermaking device can be arranged between other parts of the passenger conveyor, for example a step and a step roller track.

Preferably, a single drive chain is arranged at each lateral edge of the conveyor band, each drive chain comprises a plurality of chain links, and the connecting shaft is configured to convey one chain link of one side of the conveyor band to the conveyor band. Connect with the corresponding chain link on the other side of the. Steps may be attached and supported by this step chain link pair. With this structure, the papermaking apparatus is preferably arranged between the step and the connecting shaft.

Preferably, the papermaking device comprises a torsion spring, more preferably such a torsion spring is attached to the connecting shaft and supported by one of its two free ends, while its second free end is engaged with the step. Is placed. The papermaking device preferably has a second free end of the torsion spring that engages the bottom of the step riser. The structure engages only due to the relative displacement between the step and the connecting axis while the second free end moves across the transition between the passenger carrier and the pivot without engaging the step in the passenger carrier and the return part of the circulation path. Can be started. This periodic engagement and disconnection between the step and the second free end of the torsion spring can be used to control the smooth transition between the inner and outer rails of the step roller track.

Preferably, the papermaking apparatus is disposed between the step and the step roller track. Such a structure is particularly preferred in a structure that does not include a connecting axis. It is also contemplated to have a first papermaking device between the step and the roller track and a second papermaking device between the step and the connecting axis in a single structure.

Preferably, the papermaking apparatus comprises deflection means for deflecting said further roller against one rail of said further roller and step roller track. In comparison with other sliding means, the additional rollers have the advantage of relatively gentle wear. Another advantage is the quiet operation of the additional rollers rolling along the rails.

Preferably, the step roller is attached to the step by a connecting arm, more preferably an additional roller is supported by the connecting arm. Deflection means may be provided for deflecting additional rollers relative to the outer rail.

Preferably, the biasing means is a linear spring having a first leg and a second leg bent with respect to each other at an angle and comprise a support block at the connecting arm. The support block includes first and second recesses and portions of the first and second legs of the linear spring are fitted in the first and second recesses, respectively, so that deformation of the first and second legs of the linear spring is desired. Limited to scope. For example, single or both legs may be secured to the support block by clamping, welding, brazing, press fit, adhesive means, or the like. Preferably, the at least one leg has a bend for insertion into a corresponding opening in the support block, more preferably the first and / or second legs of the linear spring are from the first and second recesses of the support block. It includes a cover installed in the support block to prevent separation.

Preferably, the papermaking apparatus further comprises a member for supporting the additional roller, in particular for attaching the additional roller to the linear spring. Preferably, the member comprises a recess in which a portion adjacent the engagement between the first and second legs of the linear spring is fitted and a cover covering the recess of the member.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to an apparatus for restraining the raising of a step roller of an escalator by a moving walk according to claims 14 to 19.

In accordance with the above object and in accordance with the invention embodied herein, an apparatus for restraining the rise of the step roller of an escalator is provided. The escalator includes a step of circulating a closed loop, a track having inner and outer rails and providing a circulation loop of the step, and a step roller connected to each step by a connecting member and rolling along the inner rail of the track. The apparatus of the present invention includes an additional roller disposed between the outer and inner rails of the track, an elastic member for supporting the additional roller, and a support block installed on the connecting member to which the elastic member is fixed.

The elastic member deflects the additional roller towards the outer rail of the track, so that the additional roller rolls over it. The elastic member is a linear spring and has first and second legs bent relative to one another at an angle.

The first leg of the elastic member has a bend at its end, which is pivotally inserted into the support block. The second leg of the inertia member also has a bend at its end, which contacts the lower surface of the support block.

Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a step and steptain of a conventional escalator.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a mounting structure of a step roller and a track of a conventional escalator.

3 is a perspective view showing the installation structure of the track and the device for restraining the lift of the step roller according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4A is a front exploded perspective view showing an apparatus for restraining the rising of the step roller according to the present invention.

Fig. 4B is a rear exploded perspective view showing an apparatus for restraining the rising of the step roller according to the present invention.

Fig. 5A is a side view showing the operating state of the apparatus of the present invention when the step roller moves along the track in the passenger carrying area of the escalator.

Fig. 5B is a side view showing the operating state of the apparatus of the present invention when the step roller moves along the track in the turning area of the escalator.

6 is a perspective view schematically showing a step and a step chain according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

7 is similar to that of FIG. 6, but with the step roller removed for clarity.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the portion enclosed by circle A of FIG.

Fig. 9 is a side view showing the transition of the step through the upper pivot area of the escalator according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the portion enclosed by circle B of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the portion enclosed by circle C of FIG.

12 is a detailed view of the portion enclosed by the circle D in FIG.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the installation structure of the track and the device for restraining the rising of the step roller of the escalator according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, each step 10 is attached to a step chain 12 moving in a continuous closed loop. The support lever 16 is fixedly coupled to both sides of the step 10. Each support lever 16 is provided with a step roller 18, and the step roller 18 is rotatably installed at the end of the support lever 16. The step roller 18 guides the movement of the step 10 and supports the step 10.

The escalator has tracks 20 on both left and right sides along which the step roller 18 moves in a continuous closed loop. The track 20 includes an inner rail 24 and an outer rail 22 disposed outward of the inner rail 24. The gap between the inner rail 24 and the outer rail 22 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the step roller 18.

Device 30 for restraining the step roller 18 from rising from the inner rail 24 to the outer rail 22 and thus preventing it from colliding with the outer rail 22 in the swiveling area at the top and bottom of the escalator. ) Is provided. Such a device is installed in the support or connecting arm 16 and is described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B.

The apparatus 30 for restraining the rising of the step roller 18 includes an additional roller 50 in contact with the outer rail 22 of the track 20, and the additional roller 50 toward the outer rail 22. An elastic member 40 for deflecting, and a support block 32 attached to the support arm 16 for supporting the elastic member 40.

The elastic member 40 is a linear spring and has a first leg 42 and a second leg 44 that are bent relative to each other at a predetermined angle in a wedge shape. The support block 32 has first and second recesses 34, 36 on the front surface, and the first and second legs 42, 44 of the elastic member 40 are individually in the recesses. Is mounted. The first recess 34 extends downward from the upper end of the support block 32 by a certain length. The second recess 36 extends downward from the upper end of the support block to the lower end thereof. These recesses 34 and 36 are inclined toward the step roller 18 at a predetermined angle.

The first leg 42 of the elastic member 40 is provided with a bent portion 42a at its end. The bend 42a of the first leg 42 is pivotally inserted into the insertion hole 35, and the insertion hole 35 is formed at the end of the first recessed portion 34 of the support block 32.

The second leg of the elastic member 40 is provided at its end with a first bend 44a and a second bend 44b. The first bend 44a extends rearward of the support block 32 and contacts the lower surface of the support block 32. The second bend 44b extends from the end of the first bend 44a and contacts the lower surface of the support block 32 to act as a base point of the elastic member 40.

The first and second recesses 34, 36 of the support block 32 are slightly wider than the first and second legs 42, 44 of the elastic member 40. This is to allow the elastic member 40 to be deformed within the limited range to be described later.

The cover 38 is coupled to the front surface of the support block 32 by fastening means such as bolts 39. This is to cover the first and second recesses 34 and 36 and to prevent the first and second legs 42 and 44 of the elastic member 40 from being separated therefrom.

As shown in FIG. 4B, the elastic member 40 is coupled to the support member at a portion adjacent to the engagement between the additional roller-first and second legs 42, 44. The receiving slot 53 is formed at the rear surface of the supporting member 52, in which the first and second legs 42, 44 of the elastic member are mounted. The cover 54 is attached to the rear surface of the support member 52 by fastening means such as bolts 55. This is to prevent the legs 42 and 44 of the elastic member 40 from being separated from the receiving slot 3.

The operational effect of the device for restraining the rise of the step roller according to the invention is described below on the basis of the assumption that the escalator moves upward.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the step roller 18 moves along the linear portion of the track 20 in the passenger carrying area, the step roller 18 rolls over the inner rail 24 of the track 20. The additional roller 50 is also deflected by the elastic member 40 toward the outer rail of the track and rolls over the outer rail 22.

As shown in FIG. 5B, when the descending step roller 18 arrives at the upper landing and advances to the bend of the track 20 in the upper pivot area, the step roller 18 moves to the outer rail of the track 20 ( To 22). This is due to the inertia force, and the additional roller 50 in contact with the outer rail 22 is subject to inertia and / or reaction to gravity. Accordingly, the elastic member 40 pivotally moves the bend portion 42a into which the first leg 42 is inserted into the insertion hole 35 in the first recess portion 34 of the support block 32. Limited to In addition, the second leg 44 moves in a state where the first and second bent portions 44a and 44b contact the lower surface of the support block 32 in the second recessed portion 36. At the same time, a restoring force with respect to the force acting on the step roller 18 and the elastic member 40 is generated between the second bend 44b of the second leg of the elastic member 40 and the support block 32.

When the restoring force of the elastic member 40 is sufficient to overcome the lifting force acting on the step roller 18, the step roller 18 stops rising and returns to its original position (i.e. over the inner rail of the track 20). . Thus, the step roller 18 is restrained from colliding with the outer rail 22 of the track 20.

The resilience of the elastic member 40 is weakened by repeated operation, but the shock and noise caused by the collision of the step roller 18 with the track 20 rarely occur, if any.

By varying the material of the elastic member 40, i.e., rigidity or elasticity, the step roller 18 collides with the outer rail of the track 20 in the turning area, as in this embodiment, completely restrained or very rarely occurs There is almost no impact.

6-12 show a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the general structure of the individual passenger conveyor 2 is similar to that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, step 10 has a treatment surface 56 and a step riser 58. The step riser 58 is partially disassembled so that the papermaking apparatus 30 disposed in such an area can be seen. As shown, the step 10 is rotatably attached to the step chain 12 at the connection 60. A support arm 16 carrying the step roller 18 is attached to the step 10 via the flange 62. The step chain 12 comprises a plurality of chain links 64 which are successively attached to the joint 64 in sequence. While the step roller 18 is guided in the step roller track 20, a separate chain roller track is provided for guiding the chain roller 68. Regarding the specific structure of such a step / step chain combination, reference is made to International Patent Application Publication No. WO 02/44069 A1 filed by the applicant of the present invention, entitled "Chain Segment for Individual Conveyor". The application is cited as a reference.

FIG. 7 is similar to FIG. 6 except that step 12 is removed. In particular, FIG. 7 shows that two opposing chain links 64 are connected to each other by a connecting shaft 70. A bracket 72 is installed on the connecting shaft 70 to support the lateral guide roller 74 at a substantially intermediate point between the two chain links 64. Two torsion springs 76 each having one free end 78 supported against the connecting shaft 70 are attached to this bracket 72. The second free end 80 is optionally coupled with the step riser 58 as shown in FIGS. 6 and 9.

Figure 9 schematically shows part of the circulation path of the circulation conveyor band 4, in particular via the passenger conveying part 6 or the "inclined part" of the escalator, the transition part 82, the turning part 8, the other Step 10 moves to the return section 5 via the transition section 82. As shown, the step roller 18 is guided in the step roller track 20. Detail B in FIG. 10 shows the second free end of the partial spring 76 unjoined from the step riser 58. As shown in detail C in FIG. 11, only while passing through the first transition portion 82, the second free end of the partial spring 76 engages the riser 58 of the step 10.

Since the step 10 is rotatably connected to the step chain 12 at the connecting part 60, the engagement of the free end 8 of the torsion spring 6 causes the step 10 to be clockwise around the connecting part 60. The roller 18 is easy to rotate with respect to the inner rail of the step roller track 20. This engagement with the step riser 58 of the second free end 80 continues over the pivot 8, thus keeping the step roller 18 in engagement with the inner rail 22.

Depending on the strength of the torsion spring 76, the torsion until the engagement of the free end 80 with the riser 56 terminates at the second transition 84 and permits a gradual transition to the outer rail 24 in this area. The spring 76 may keep the step roller 18 in engagement with the inner rail 22. Alternatively, the gravity load of the step 12 exceeds the force of the torsion spring 56 in the course of movement through the pivot 8 and in this area a smooth transition from the inner rail 22 to the outer rail 24. Allow. The free end 80 of the torsion spring 76 does not engage the step riser 58 during the movement along the return path 5 so that the gravity load of the step 10 is at this part the outer rail of the step roller 18. To ensure a combination with Similarly this engagement and disengagement of the free end 80 of the torsion spring with the step riser 58 is such that the second free end 80 of the torsion spring 76 has a step riser 58 at the inclined or passenger carriage 6. In the lower turn, which is separated again). Operation is also reversed if the direction of transport of the passenger conveyor is reversed.

Preferably, one or more papermaking devices 30 are provided for each step 10 of the step band.

As described in detail above, the device according to an embodiment of the present invention is capable of restraining the step roller from rising towards the outer rail of the track in the turning area of the escalator by means of an additional roller which is biased towards the outer rail of the track by the elastic member. Can be. This can prevent shocks and noises caused by collisions, thus providing passengers with comfort and stability.

Claims (19)

It extends over the inclined portion 6, the first and second pivots 8 and the return portion 5 of the circulation path, includes a step roller 18 and is connected to the step chain 12 to the step chain 12. A passenger conveyor (2) comprising a circular conveyor band (4) comprising a plurality of steps (10) driven by A step roller track 20 extending along the path of the conveyor band 4 and having inner and outer rails 24 and 22 for supporting the step roller 18 and guiding the step roller 18; A passenger conveyor further comprising an apparatus (20) for restraining said step roller (18) on either of the inner and outer rails (24, 22). 2. The passenger according to claim 1, wherein the papermaking device (30) includes an elastic deflection member (40) for elastically deflecting the step roller (18) with respect to either of the inner and outer rails (24, 22). conveyor. 3. The papermaking device (30) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the papermaking device (30) has the step roller (18) inward and outward from any one of the inner and outer rails (24, 22) at the first and second pivots (8). A passenger conveyor configured to allow progressive transition to the other of the outer rails (24, 22). 4. Passenger conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the papermaking device (30) is arranged between the step (10) and the drive chain (12). 4. The drive chain 12 according to claim 3, wherein one drive chain 12 is arranged at each lateral edge of the conveyor band 4, each step chain 12 comprises a plurality of chain links 64, 70 connects the chain link 64 on one side of the conveyor band 4 with the chain link 64 on the other side of the conveyor band 4, and the papermaking device 30 is connected to the step 10 and the A passenger conveyor disposed between the connecting shafts 70. 6. The papermaking device (30) according to claim 5, wherein the papermaking device (30) comprises a torsion spring (76) attached to the connecting shaft (70), wherein the torsion spring (76) is one of its free ends (78). A passenger conveyor having a second free end (80) supported by (70) and arranged to engage with the step (10). 4. Passenger conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the papermaking device (30) is arranged between the step (10) and the step roller (20). 8. The papermaking device (30) according to claim 7, wherein the papermaking device (30) comprises deflection means (40) for deflecting the additional roller (50) and the additional roller (50) against one rail (22, 24) of the step roller track (29). Passenger conveyor, including). 9. Passenger conveyor according to claim 8, wherein the step roller (18) is attached to the step (10) by a connecting arm (16), and the additional roller (50) is supported by the connecting arm (16). 10. Passenger conveyor (10) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the biasing means (40) bias the further roller (50) against the outer rail (22). 11. The biasing device according to claim 8, wherein the biasing means is a linear spring having a first leg 42 and a second leg 42 which are bent relative to one another at a predetermined angle. Further comprises a support block 32, which comprises first and second recesses 34, 36, wherein portions of the first and second legs of the linear spring are A passenger conveyor fitted into the first and second recesses (34, 36), respectively, in which deformation of the first and second legs of the linear spring is limited to a predetermined range. The first and second legs (42, 44) of the linear spring are mounted on the support block (32) so that the first and second recesses (34, 36) of the support block (32). A passenger conveyor further comprising a cover (38) to prevent separation from it. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, further comprising a member (52) for supporting the additional roller (50), said member (52) engaging the first and second legs (42, 44) of the linear spring. A passenger conveyor having a recess portion (53) into which a portion adjacent the portion is fitted, and a cover (54) covering the recess portion (53) of the member (52). Apparatus 30 for restraining the rise of the step roller 18 of the passenger conveyor 2, The passenger conveyor 2 has a step 10 for circulating a closed loop, a track 20 having inner and outer rails 22, 24 and providing a circulation loop of the step 10, and a connecting member 16. A step roller 18 connected to each step 10 by means of rolling along the inner rail 24 of the track 20, The device 30 An additional roller 50 disposed between the outer rail 22 and the inner rail 24 of the track 20, An elastic member 40 for supporting the additional roller 50; And a support block (32) mounted to said connecting member (16) and for securing said elastic member to said connecting member (16). 15. The papermaking device according to claim 14, wherein the elastic member (40) biases the additional roller (50) towards the outer rail (24) of the track (20) so that the additional roller (50) rolls over it. 16. The elastic member 40 is a linear spring having a first leg 42 and a second leg 44 that are bent relative to one another at an angle. The support block 32 has first and second recesses 34, 36, and portions of the first and second legs 42, 44 of the elastic member 40 are first and second, respectively. A papermaking device fitted with a recessed portion (34, 36) in which deformation of the first and second legs (42, 44) of the elastic member (40) is limited to a predetermined range. The method according to claim 16, wherein the first leg (42) of the elastic member (40) has a bent portion (42a) at its tip portion, the tip portion is pivotally inserted into the support block (32), The second leg (44) of the elastic member (40) has a bent portion (44a, 44b) at its tip portion, and the tip portion is configured to be in contact with the lower surface of the support block (32). The cover 38 is installed in the support block 32, so that the first and second legs 42, 44 of the elastic member 40 are formed of the support block 32. Papermaking device for preventing separation from the first and second recesses (34, 36). 19. The device (30) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the device (30) further comprises a member (52) for supporting the additional roller (50), wherein the member (52) is the elastic member (40). A recess portion 53 into which a portion adjacent to the engaging portion of the first and second legs 42 and 44 is fitted, and a cover 54 covering the recess portion 53 of the member 52. Having a papermaking device.

Images